Masset RCMP detachment up to full strength

After operating shorthanded for some time, the Masset RCMP detachment now has a full complement of officers. Its newest member is a recently trained cadet from the RCMP Training Academy in Regina. As a status member of the Saulteaux First Nations, the officer requested to be posted in a First Nations policing capacity. Sgt. Blake Ward said he is “confident that once the officer settles in and completes his field training, he will be a great addition to the communities of Old Massett, Masset and Port Clements.” After a busy summer with what Sgt. Ward called “some significant, self-generated investigations,” the detachment will be operating fully staffed for the first time since Sgt. Ward’s arrival in Masset last February. “We intend to make the most of it while we can focus on our initiatives, with the aim to reach our targets.” Those priorities include reducing the use of alcohol and drugs, contributing to community safety with a focus on domestic violence, crime reduction and prolific offenders and finally road safety. In an update to Masset council Nov. 13, Sgt. Ward presented the quarterly report extending from July 1 to Sept. 30. Masset RCMP responded to 445 calls for service as compared to 396 during the same period in 2011. Ward said the increase of 12 percent can partially be attributed to the seasonal policing that was conducted in the late summer on the water. “Masset members conducted 24 marine related investigations in 2012, as compared to five for the same period in 2011.”Sgt. Ward also reported an increase in the number of prisoners lodged in cells. “There were 62 in 2012 compared to 49 for the same period in 2011, which equals an increase of 26.5 percent.”Sgt. Ward offered to take village officials through the detachment once renovations to the cell block are complete. He also informed council of the new community policing office in Old Massett at the fire hall. Sgt. Ward said this will give officers the opportunity to work from the village.”We plan to have an open house in the near future,” he added.